MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — In the wake of the United States’ recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Iranian-born Pastor David Nassar—teaching pastor at New Vision Church on Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro—shared a deeply personal and sobering response during an appearance on the Rick Burgess Show aired by WGNS.

Born in Isfahan, one of the cities targeted in the strikes, Nassar lived through the early years of political unrest in Iran. He and his family fled the country during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, leaving when he was just 9 years old as the new theocratic regime under Ayatollah Khomeini took power. Branded political dissidents, the Nassar family sought freedom and safety in the United States.

Reflecting on the recent events, Nassar described the strikes as “heartbreaking but necessary,” underscoring the tension between the desire for peace and the need to confront evil. “This wasn’t about celebrating bombs,” he said, “but about standing up against evil.”

He urged Americans to take the Iranian regime’s threats seriously, pointing to years of state-sponsored terrorism and anti-Western rhetoric:

85% of Iranians Want Peace, But 15% Pose a Real Threat

While acknowledging the danger posed by the Iranian government and its hardline followers, Nassar was quick to differentiate between the ruling elite and the general population:

He estimates that only about 15% of Iranians are anti-American extremists—the ones who are “weaponized and mobilized”—while the remaining 85% desire peace, democracy, and an end to the regime’s tyranny.

Nassar highlighted that 60% of Iran’s population is under the age of 40, creating fertile ground for revolutionary change—and, perhaps more importantly, spiritual revival. “Young people are realizing religion hasn’t worked. They want something real. And the underground church in Iran is the fastest-growing church in the world.”

A Call for Revival Over Revolution

While Nassar supports efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, he stressed that the ultimate solution is not political but spiritual. “Iran doesn’t just need new governance,” he said. “It needs revival. Redemption—not religion—is what brings hope.”

He applauded initiatives to support communication tools like Starlink to aid Iranian citizens in sharing their stories and organizing grassroots change. He also encouraged strategic partnerships with figures like Reza Pahlavi, who has expressed willingness to help stabilize Iran without reinstating monarchy.

Strikes Targeted Regime Infrastructure, Not Civilians

Nassar drew a sharp distinction between bombing nuclear infrastructure and bombing civilian populations:

Despite the deeply personal nature of the strikes, which hit his own birthplace, Nassar said he trusts that U.S. leaders acted based on intelligence and a desire to prevent far greater harm.

LISTEN BACK TO THE PODCAST WITH DAVID NASSAR ON THE RICK BURGESS SHOW

⏩ Skip to 1:14:46 to hear Pastor David Nassar’s comments on the U.S. strikes in Iran.